The 30 Best Associates in Accounting Online
Updated March 4, 2024
By BCR Staff
Jobs in the accounting field are essential to the financial framework of almost every private or public business, including small and large corporations, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. Because profitability is the most important component of a business, accurate and ethical financial records practices can greatly impact the operations and revenue within these businesses.
Students entering careers in accounting fields should have a strong background in mathematics and can expect to obtain entry-level and some mid-level positions as bookkeepers, accounts payable/receivable clerks, payroll personnel, cost accountants, public accountants, tax accountants, and more. Because a Bachelor’s degree in accounting is not 100% necessary to land a job in the field, many students are choosing an Associate’s degree in accounting online and are balancing work, life, and education through flexible online formats. Therefore, in this ranking, you will see the top 30 online associate’s degrees in Accounting from colleges and universities around the United States.
Ranking the Top Associate’s in Accounting Degrees Online
To compile this ranking, our editors began with an initial pool of over 50 online Associates Degrees in Accounting programs offered by colleges and universities across the US. We then narrowed the pool to include only those schools that were below $25,000 (out-of-state) tuition per year. Finally, we applied the rating and ranking methodology above, and the result was the ranking you see below of the top 30 online programs for an Associate's degree in Accounting. We used affordability to break any ties, listing the more affordable program higher in the ranking.
Featured Online Associate Degrees in Accounting
#30 Liberty University
Online Associate Accounting Degree
Website
Liberty University’s 60-credit fully online Associates degree in Accounting can be completed in about two years. Students can expect an 8-week class format delivered 100% online and will develop skills in several areas of accounting including financial, managerial, and governmental accounting. Electronic textbooks are provided for students at no cost, which can save students about $2,000. Graduates of the online accounting Associate’s degree program will be prepared for jobs in business sectors of education, corporate, non-profit, public accounting, or government.
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,310
#29 Davenport University
Online ABA
Website
Davenport University’s online education is designed for the busy, working student, and online students will receive the same high-quality education and support as on-campus students. Davenport University offers a fully online Associate of Business in Accounting, a program that utilizes foundational accounting courses to introduce basic accounting theory and the business accounting cycle. Students will be knowledgeable about fundamental accounting principles and will be job-ready to develop and maintain accounting records, prepare financial statements, and more. One encouraging statistic is that 95% of all Davenport students receive financial assistance to help with the cost of their education.
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,558
#28 Central Christian College of Kansas
Associate’s Degree in Accounting Online
Website
Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Central Christian College of Kansas offers an online Associates of Arts degree with an emphasis in Accounting. In the 6-week class format, students will study areas of accounting such as Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Income Tax, and Professional Ethics. Students will be prepared to take jobs as bookkeepers, office managers, accounting clerks, or billing coordinators. Each enrollee will get guidance from their personal Student Success Advisor during their entire program.
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,240
#27 Bryant & Stratton College
Accounting Associate’s Degree Online
Website
In Bryant & Stratton College’s online Associates in Accounting Degree, students can expect the same classes and degree as on-campus students, but with the added benefit of flexibility. Students will learn fundamental skills of accounting such as bookkeeping, payroll, budget analysis, and tax preparation to prepare for entry-level careers in accounting firms, retail, manufacturing, government, and service industries. Key courses include Workplace Mathematics, Office Applications: Spreadsheets & Databases, Income Tax Accounting, and Payroll Procedures & Administration.
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,098
#26 Front Range Community College
A.A.S in Accounting Online Degree
Website
Front Range Community College’s 4 semester online accounting degree provides the curriculum to teach students fundamental accounting skills in theory, practice, and application. After taking the required Accounting Courses, students can choose from a wide range of electives, including Payroll Accounting, Income Tax, Business Taxation, and Cost Accounting. Students will then take Business Support courses, and will round out the academic knowledge with a real-world internship. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level clerical and paraprofessional positions in the accounting field. For graduates seeking a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, FRCC students can seamlessly transfer their AAS degree to Regis University to complete their Bachelor of Science in Accounting Degree.
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,783
#25 University of the Potomac
Online Associate of Science in Accounting
Website
Among the University of the Potomac’s flexible, online education programs is an online Associate of Science in Accounting. Students will take required Management courses like Foundations of Business, Critical Thinking and Decision Making, and Business Ethics and the Legal Environment, as well as core Accounting courses such as Principles of Financial Accounting I, Federal Taxes, and Payroll Accounting. Graduates will be prepared for para-professional accounting careers and entry-level positions as bookkeepers, accounts receivable clerks, and accounts payable clerks.
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,884
#24 Chemeketa Community College
Online Accounting Associate of Applied Science
Website
Chemeketa Community College provides a fully accredited and transferrable online education, housing 10 completely online degrees and over 1,200 online courses. Among those is the online Accounting Associate of Applied Science degree that takes 2+ years to complete. In this program, students will learn basic computerized accounting systems, how to prepare and analyze financial reports, and make ethical decisions within the accounting sector framework. Graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce as Licensed tax preparers, Bookkeepers, Full cycle accountants, Accounting technicians, and Auditors.
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,790
#23 Northern Virginia Community College
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting Online
Website
Northern Virginia Community College offers an online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting that is designed to be flexible for the non-traditional student. Sample courses include Spreadsheet Software, Survey of Economics, Principles of Federal Taxation, Financial Management, and Intermediate Accounting I & II. In addition, students can take 4 extra courses and add on the Accounting Career Studies Certificate. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to enter the workforce as accounting trainees, accounting technicians, junior accountants, and accountants.
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,505
#22 Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting
Website
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Minnesota West Community and Technical College provides a rigorous online education that mirrors its on-campus studies. Before beginning an online program, students are encouraged to take Introduction to Online Learning , a free, non-credit course to help beginners in online education. Among their many online programs is the online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting. Students will be prepared to examine, analyze, and interpret accounting data. Courses include Principles of Accounting I, Business Math, and Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications. All work will culminate to a hands-on, real-world internship in a desired accounting field.
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,838
#21 University of Alaska Fairbanks
Online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Applied Accounting
Website
Students enrolled in the University of Alaska Fairbanks online accounting program will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Applied Accounting, as well as the Accounting Technician certification and Bookkeeping occupational endorsement. The required coursework blends both business and accounting classes to build necessary accounting skills like keeping financial records, preparing financial and tax statements, bookkeeping, and payroll accounting. Specific courses include Payroll Accounting, Customer Service, Financial Management, and Introduction to Business.
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,183
#20 North Hampton County Area Community College
Online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting
Website
North Hampton County Area Community College’s online accounting associate degree program is designed specifically for students just starting out their accounting careers or for those pursuing their CPA certification. The 100% online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting from NHCAC can be completed in two years and prepares graduates for careers as accountants, accounting clerks, account specialists, tax accountants, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), or bookkeepers. Program outcomes include preparing financial reports, interpreting financial information, analyzing accounting data, and making ethical and legal decisions within the financial framework of the accounting field.
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,620
#19 New England College of Business and Finance
Online Associate in Science in Business Administration - Accounting
Website
New England College of Business and Finance offers an online Associate’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Students will first learn the fundamentals principles of business (such as decision making, critical thinking, management, research, and technology) and then will take specialized electives in the accounting field to prepare graduates for careers in bookkeeping, payrolls assistants, or accounts payable/receivable clerks. Sample courses in the accounting concentration include Principles of Accounting, Federal Taxation, and Accounting Information Systems.
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,040
#18 Baker College
Online Associate of Business in Accounting
Website
Accredited though the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), Baker College offers an Associate of Business in Accounting online through its College of Business. After completing 15 credit hours on general education, students will complete 24 hours of Business core and finish the 60-credit degree with 21 credits in the Accounting major courses. Major courses include Accounting Applications, Computerized Accounting, Individual Taxation, and Work Experience. Classes are taught by professional accountants to provide a well-rounded education that blends accounting theory and practical application.
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,360
#17 Portland Community College
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration Online with an emphasis in Accounting
Website
Portland Community College, which serves over 73,000 full time and part time students, offers a mostly online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting. Students can expect to take courses like Payroll Accounting, Principles of Accounting, Non-Profit Financial, Management, & Accounting, and Income Tax. More specifically, within those courses, students will develop targeted and marketable accounting skills like payroll, computerized accounting application, law, tax, business math, microcomputer applications, financial management, communication, organization, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students seeking higher education degrees or CPA certification can look into the Associate of Science Oregon Transfer Degree in Business program.
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,840
#16 Foothill College
Associate in Arts in Accounting Online
Website
The online Accounting curriculum at Foothill College develops students ready to enter the workforce in accounting fields, desiring to transfer to a 4-year institution, or pursuing their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. Graduates of the program will be able to explain accounting terminology, apply accounting concepts and principles within the framework of business, and perform accounting-related tasks. In this 53-credit hour online accounting program, core courses include Managerial Accounting, Computerized Accounting Practice Using Quickbooks & Excel, and Principles of Macroeconomics.
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,752
#15 Strayer University
Website
Strayer University provides a nationally recognized, accredited online education, including an online Associate of Arts in Accounting. Students can work at their own pace, utilizing the 24-hour online technical support if necessary. Taught by experienced faculty, students can expect 4 academic quarters per year. Specific coursework includes Preparing for the Future of Work, Introduction to Business, Business Law, and Accounting.
#14 Colorado Technical University
Online Associate of Science in Accounting
Website
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Colorado Technical University offers an online Associate of Science in Accounting that accommodates busy, working-adults through flexible online education and an innovative mobile app service. In the 93-credit hour program, students will complete general education courses, then take their accounting major core courses such as Computerized Accounting, Spreadsheet Applications, and Management Fundamentals. One interesting feature of the program is CTU’s Fast Track exams, which are a series of modules that tests students on their key course objectives, giving students the opportunity to earn credits for existing knowledge in certain fields. CTU also offers a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting online for students pursuing a higher degree.
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,934
#13 Macomb Community College
Online Associate of Business Administration Degree in Accounting
Website
Macomb Community College offers a hybrid or fully online Associate of Business Administration Degree in Accounting. The asynchronous online coursework utilizes accelerated 8-week class formats that are just as rigorous as on-campus classes. Featured major courses include Intermediate Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Microcomputer Applications in Accounting and Federal Income Tax – Individual. Graduates will be qualified for entry-level positions as payroll and time keeping clerks, loan officers, tax preparers, tellers, new accounts clerks, bookkeepers, account and posting clerks, and auditing clerks.
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,649
#12 Shoreline Community College
Associate of Applied Arts & Sciences in Accounting Online
Website
Shoreline Community College offers two paths towards an online degree in accounting: (1) Professional & Technical Path which results in an Associate of Applied Arts & Sciences in Accounting or (2) the Transfer Degree which results in Associate of Arts degree in Business and Accounting. The first path also includes Certification of Completion in the following fields: Accounting Clerk, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Payroll Clerk, and Tax Preparer. This path prepares students to immediately enter the workforce with an online AAAS degree in Accounting. The second, transfer friendly path is designed more for students who wish to continue to a Bachelor’s degree and eventually earn CPA licensure. In either path, common courses include Financial Accounting, Business Law, and Managerial Accounting.
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,538
#11 Ozarks Technical Community College
Accounting and Business Management (A.A.S.) Online
Website
Ozarks Technical Community College offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and Business Management. This online accounting degree program might be best suited for the student who is also very interested in the discipline of business, as several classes are business related, including Business Communications, Business Law, Computer Apps for Business, and Principles of Business. Other general accounting major courses include Payroll Accounting, Personal Finance, and Principles of Accounting. To combine theory and practice, an internship option is available in the last semester that provides practical work experience in an accounting related industry workplace.
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,352
#10 Northcentral Technical College
Online Accounting Associate Degree
Website
Northcentral Technical College’s online Accounting Associate Degree is available fully online and prepares students for careers as general business accountants, bookkeepers, payroll accountants, and accountants. Students can expect courses that will help them become proficient in Word, Excel, and Quickbooks. Other major core courses include Cost Accounting, Individual Tax Accounting, Cost Analysis, and Business Law. In the last semester students can choose a Mentored Business Experience. Students are also able to seamlessly transfer to many universities to earn a Bachelor’s degree in accounting related fields, such as Business and Management, Financial Planning, Accounting, and Forensic Accounting.
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,083
#9 Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Associate of Science in Accounting
Website
Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Associate of Science in Accounting through their DeVoe School of Business. Students in this program will develop skills to apply fundamental accounting and business principles within the framework of a Christian worldview. Taking only 26 months to complete, this online A.S. degree in accounting will also focus on managerial, decision-making, communicative components. Students can expect to be included in a cohort that provides mutual peer support during the program.
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,645
#8 Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College offers a fully online or hybrid model accounting degree program that utilizes a skills-based curriculum to prepare students to enter the workforce confidently. Accounting major coursework includes Principles of Managerial Accounting, Accounting Software, Business Law, and Intermediate Accounting. Students will also earn their Bookkeeping Certificate as they complete classes, which could enable them so jumpstart their career as they finish their online accounting degree. Students can also earn certificates in Quickbooks, Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,668
#7 Pamlico Community College
Online Accounting Associate in Applied Science Degree
Website
Ranked the #4 Affordable Online Associates Degree in Accounting, Pamlico Community College’s curriculum for the online Associate in Applied Science Degree integrates accounting, business, finance, management, and economics principles to provide a well-rounded online education. In the program, students will learn key components of the accounting practice, such as Record Keeping, Accounting, Income Tax Preparation, Managerial Oversight and Reporting, Data Processing, Payroll Operation. Graduates will be proficient in Tax Preparation Software, Microsoft Excel, Word, & PowerPoint, and Quickbooks. Specific courses include Federal Income Taxes, Personal Finance, Principles of Managerial Accounting, and Introduction to Computers.
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,475
#6 Hutchinson Community College
Online Associate of Arts in Accounting
Website
Through the College of Agriculture, Business, Computers, and Technology, Hutchinson Community College offers an online Associate of Arts in Accounting. In this 64-credit online accounting program, students will complete general education courses, and then progress to the Accounting major core, including Accounting I & II, Quickbooks, General Psychology, and Micro/Macroeconomics. Students also have a wide range of business electives like Personal Finance, Records Management, and Principles of Supervision.
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,384
#5 Franklin University
Associate of Science Degree in Accounting Online
Website
Franklin University offers an online Associate of Science Degree in Accounting that can be taken fully online, on-campus, or a combination of both. Because classes are taught by real-world professionals, students will develop highly in-demand skills directly applicable to jobs in the accounting field. Accredited through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), this career-focused curriculum focuses on general education, business core classes, and accounting major courses. Specific courses include Intermediate Accounting, Federal Income Tax, Cost Management, and Auditing.
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,241
#4 Northwest Iowa Community College
Online Associate of Applied Science Degree
Website
Northwest Iowa Community College offers a 4-semester online accounting program that focuses on basic accounting principles for entry-level positions in the workplace. While the program can be taken full-time or part-time, students can pursue jobs in bookkeeping and general accounting after the first 2 semesters are completed. This program might be best suited for students who prefer weekly deadlines, as this online degree curriculum is not necessarily self-paced.
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,210
#3 American Public University
Online Associate Of Science in Accounting
Website
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, American Public University provides an award-winning online education crafted to meet the demands of today’s modern working student. APU’s online Associate’s Degree in Accounting program aims to teach students the fundamentals of the accounting field as well as core business theology. Benefits of American Public University include free online textbooks, credits for life experience like military service, and multiple financial aid options.
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,880
#2 Milwaukee Area Technical College
Online Associate’s Degree in Accounting
Website
Milwaukee Area Technical College offers a fully online associate’s degree in accounting that provides an in-depth study of the multi-faceted field of accounting, including areas such as general & personal finances, taxation, and payroll. In addition, students will explore the role accounting plays in the governmental and non-profit business sectors. As students are earning their online accounting degree, they will also earn their Accounting Bookkeeper Trainee certificate and the Accounting Assistant technical diploma, which could enable students to get a jump-start on their accounting careers while finishing their degree.
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,174
#1 Barton County Community College
Online Associate of Science in Accounting
Website
With the most affordable tuition on this rankings list, Barton County Community College offers an online Associate of Science in Accounting degree. After completing the general education requirements, students will take 25-credit hours in accounting emphasis electives courses such as Accounting I & II, Managerial Accounting, and Principles of Micro & Macroeconomics. In order to support students’ transition from school to the workforce, BCCC provides mock interviews, requires a job search project, and implements work ethic into the program curriculum.
Out-of-State Tuition: $3,456
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points:
- Under $25,000—1 point
- Under $20,000—2 points
- Under $15,000—3 points
- Under $10,000—4 points
- Under $7,500—5 points
- Under $5,000—6 points
Customization Options
- Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, Accelerated, Degree Completion, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
- Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option (5-point cap)
Wow Factor
- 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us